KidsFest: Heritage Stargazing in the Observatory Tower

Thursday 11 July and 18 July

Time: Various

Thu 11 July 2024

7.30PM – 8.00PM

7.00PM – 7.30PM

8.00PM – 8.30PM

8.30PM – 9.00PM
Thu 18 July 2024

7.00PM – 7.30PM

7.30PM – 8.00PM

8.00PM – 8.30PM

8.30PM – 9.00PM

Pricing

Per child $5.00
One caregiver must attend

Caregiver/adult $10.00

Venue: Observatory Tower

Buy tickets now

Experience stargazing from the Observatory Tower (1896) at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.

Join us for a short 30-minute session to view the Southern Sky through the Victorian-era Townsend Teece Telescope, under the guidance of Townsend astronomers from the University of Canterbury, and learn about the stars!

The Townsend Teece Telescope has been fully restored and stargazing has resumed from the Observatory Tower (1896).

Bookings are essential and numbers are limited.

We'd request that you have one accompanying adult present per two ticketed children, please. Note this session is best for children aged 7 to 13.

Remember to wear a warm coat and sensible shoes and be prepared to climb 75 steep steps and be comfortable in a confined space. NOTE: this tour involves ascending and descending four flights of steep heritage wooden stairs, there is no elevator and no wheelchair or stroller access, sorry.

Please arrive 10 minutes early for your session in order to be checked in.

Note if the weather is wet, windy or cloudy during the day, we will CANCEL the session and inform you via TEXT and EMAIL. You will receive a refund.

Note that the dome cannot be open if it starts to rain or is very windy during your session, as the telescope is an antique. If the dome has to be closed during your session, you can still see and experience the Tower, dome and telescope, and the Townsend Observers will lead an interactive illustrated talk about astronomy in the exhibition room.

This is a joint event offered by Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and the University of Canterbury.